Hookpod achieves Fishery Commission Approval

Posted on: 19th December 2018

We have finally got there….

It’s been a long road, taken many years of trials (and tribulations) and required the support and faith of very many people. I am delighted and excited to be able to tell you that the Hookpod was recently approved by the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) as the worlds’ first standalone mitigation measure to reduce seabird bycatch!

What this means is that fishermen can now choose between using 2 or 3 of the following; depending on where they are fishing, night setting, tori lines, lead weights, dyed baits – or JUST A HOOKPOD. Not only does this make their operations easier and safer, it will virtually eliminate seabird bycatch, reducing it by a whopping 95% compared to traditional mitigation. This means we are finally on the way to halting the decline of albatrosses caused by death on commercial longlines.

At the WCPFC meeting in Hawaii, there was a huge amount of interest in this new mitigation option. Delegates from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, China, Hawaii itself, Korea, Fiji, Samoa and many other Pacific islands expressed an interest in trials and samples and were keen to talk about the real costs and benefits to their fishermen in using Hookpods. All of these will be followed up as soon as possible.

The approval marks a significant victory for the New Zealand delegation, who have championed the Hookpod on an international level over several years. We very much hope that this approval will be followed by a change in New Zealand national regulation, allowing their own fishing vessels to enjoy the operational benefits of using Hookpods alone.

It's fantastic to end the year with some great news for seabirds! It just remains for me to wish all of you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year, thanks for your interest in and support of the Hookpod - we couldn't have done this without you all!